Ancient Evenings
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Norman Mailer |
| Products | Historical novel |
Ancient Evenings is a historical novel published in 1983 by American writer Norman Mailer. Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, the narrative centers on the characters Menenhetet One and Meni. The book garnered a range of critical responses; while reviewers praised Mailer's thorough historical scholarship and vivid depiction of ancient Egyptian culture, they expressed reservations about the storytelling approach and overall literary quality. Comparisons have been drawn between this work and writings by poet James Merrill and novelist Thomas Pynchon, as well as Mailer's own Harlot's Ghost (1991). The novel’s opening segment is frequently regarded as its most compelling. Additionally, Ancient Evenings served as an inspiration for artist Matthew Barney's operatic film River of Fundament (2014).
The majority of the plot takes place during a single night in 1123 or 1122 BCE, where characters such as Ramesses IX recount earlier events. Most of the story, however, is set approximately 150 years prior during the reign of Ramesses II, with the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) featuring prominently.
Summary
The setting of Ancient Evenings is ancient Egypt, opening with the reflections of an amnesiac narrator. Central figures include Menenhetet One and Meni during the era ruled by Ramesses IX.
The Book of One Man Dead
An unnamed narrator finds himself inside the burial chambers belonging to Pharaoh Khufu. He then moves into the disturbed tomb of Menenhetet Two, where he outlines various stages associated with death and identifies seven distinct lights and shadows: Ren, Sekhem, Khu, Ba, Ka, Khaibit, and Sekhu. By this section’s conclusion, the narrator comes to understand that he is Menenhetet Two (Meni), discovering his own corpse within the tomb. His great-grandfather, Menenhetet One—attired as a High Priest—appears to guide him through his passage into the afterlife.
The Book of the Gods
In The Book of the Gods, Menenhetet and Meni continue their journey as Menenhetet instructs Meni on the history of the gods to prepare him for encounters in the Land of the Dead. The narrative begins with Ra, his consort Nut, and Nut’s lover Geb, followed by Nut’s five children—Osiris, Horus, Set, Isis, and Nephthys—who are considered descendants of Ra. Menenhetet recounts their lives, relationships, progeny, travels, and interactions. Throughout this section, Meni gradually uncovers his great-grandfather’s identity as the story alternates between earthly experiences and spiritual realms. Instruction is delivered through direct dialogue and spiritual visitations from Menenhetet and deities such as Ra. Notably absent is any mention of an affair between Isis and Horus as they transition from the tomb to Necropolis.
Publication history
Ancient Evenings was initially released in 1983 in the United Kingdom by Macmillan London Limited.
Reception
The novel influenced writer William S. Burroughs’s work The Western Lands (1987) and artist Matthew Barney's operatic film River of Fundament. Barney acknowledged its appealing structure despite expressing reservations about some thematic content. The book received commendations from novelist Anthony Burgess and critic Harold Bloom. Burgess regarded it as among the finest English novels since 1939 and Mailer’s best since The Naked and the Dead. Bloom praised its "spiritual power" and contemporary American relevance, considering it superior to Mailer's earlier work The Executioner's Song and likening it to Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow. He described it as "exuberantly inventive," highlighting a striking nightmare sequence at its start reminiscent of Goethe’s Faust.
Critic George Stade lauded the novel’s commanding language and adept narrative construction, deeming it a "lasting contribution" to literature despite occasional unintended humor. Time magazine included it among essential readings. Philip Kuberski praised Mailer for illustrating the interconnectedness between physical existence and metaphysical themes.
Nonetheless, some critiques were less favorable. Dennis Forbes acknowledged Mailer’s accurate portrayal of Ramsessid Egypt but found the novel slow-moving and confusing due to elements like reincarnation and telepathy. Earl Rovit appreciated well-developed characters but criticized a narrative tone that diminished political and psychological depth. Richard Poirier described it as Mailer’s most accomplished yet flawed effort, comparing its encyclopedic style to Pynchon’s but noting weaker suspense. D. Keith Mano recognized impressive research but characterized it as "half mad, half brilliant."
Several reviewers found the book difficult to read. Negative assessments came from James Wolcott in Harper's Magazine and Gary Giddens in The Nation, who deemed it unsuccessful despite commercial success. Tara Marvel labeled it "often-unreadable," attributing Mailer’s macho posturing to an underlying feminine sensitivity present in his best work. Joshua Mack acknowledged its ambitious themes but described its prose as excessively dense. Kathryn Hume observed that although grounded in meticulous research on Egyptian religious customs, critics accused it of pandering to novelty interests and fixating on taboo topics. Robert L. Caserio attributed limited scholarly attention partly to feminist influences.
In interviews, Mailer characterized Ancient Evenings as among his most ambitious projects but admitted mixed results; he suggested that focusing exclusively on the Battle of Kadesh might have enhanced its impact. John Whalen-Bridge described it as an "orientalist fantasy" that encourages readers to identify with "imperial America."
Additional reviews appeared in New York Native by pornographer Boyd McDonald and in The New York Times Book Review by novelist Benjamin DeMott.